High, Highland Park clash tonight

There will be no easing into 2004 for Mike Henson's Topeka High boys basketball team, with the Trojans ending a 2 1/2-week layoff with back-to-back games this week against their two biggest rivals.

First up for the 2-2 Trojans is tonight's 7:45 non-league game at Highland Park, 5-1 and third-ranked in Class 5A. Then, on Friday, undefeated (5-0) and top-ranked (5A) Topeka West will visit Topeka High for an I-70 League contest.

"There's a lot to look forward to," Henson said. "Highland Park is a non-league game, so you can look at it any way you want to, but it is a rivalry for the kids. They love it; they're ready to go."

Even though his team hasn't played since Dec. 19, Henson doesn't mind ending a long layoff with one of its bigger games of the year.

"Actually, I think it's good because it's given us a chance to prepare," Henson said. "We've had two weeks and if we're not ready for Highland Park after two weeks we didn't do a very good job during Christmas."

Topeka High, which beat Salina Central 66-63 in its final game of '03, is led by senior Robert Brown, who is averaging 18 points a game after a 30-point outing against Central. Junior Jacob Scholl is averaging 15.2 points for the Trojans.

"I'm real happy with the effort of all the kids," Henson said. "I think it (the holiday break) has been productive. I'm glad we had a little extra time."

Topeka High will be facing a Highland Park team that has won five straight games since a season-opening loss to Topeka West. The Scots beat Shawnee Heights 52-33 in their final game before Christmas.

Highland Park is led by junior guard Hank Harris, who is averaging 10.2 points a game. Senior James Williams, an All-City pick last season, is next at 10 points a game, while junior B.J. Spann is averaging 9.8 points.

Tonight's boys game will follow a 6 p.m. girls game between the 5-1 Lady Scots and 1-4 Trojans.

Highland Park's girls, ranked fifth in 5A, won their first five games before dropping a 45-44 overtime game at state-ranked Shawnee Heights.

Highland Park is led by senior Nette Hunt at 15.8 points a game, while senior Amber Parker averages 11.5 points.

Topeka High lost its first four games, but is coming off a 30-point (75-45) win over Salina Central in its final game before Christmas.

Junior Andrea Barber is the city's second-leading scorer at 20 points a game, while High freshman Jackie Hoyt is averaging 11 points.